Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2017 54 NATIONWIDE'S MEMBERS SHIFT FROM "PREPARE FOR SHARE" TO "TAKE YOUR SHARE" Exclusive group marketing campaign targets abandoned hhgregg and Sears shoppers Nationwide's Prime Media production facility near Atlanta has worked in cooperation with key Member companies to complete the initial phase of its ground-breaking marketing campaign know as "Bigger Isn't Better . . . Better Is Better". This Nationwide campaign targets potential Sears and former hhgregg shoppers with an invitation to enjoy the service, selection and pricing advantages of America's leading independent appliance, electronics, furniture and bedding dealers – the members of Nationwide Marketing Group. According to Nationwide senior exec Dave Bilas, "Nationwide Marketing Group began helping members 'Prepare for Share' (PFS) two and a half years ago with detailed market analysis, exclusive merchandising strategies, in-store experience guidelines, and more. With the launch of the "Better is Better" campaign, we've transitioned to a call for members to "Take Your Share" through the execution of the PFS initiatives that were proactively put in place. This comprehensive campaign consists of messages for two different member profiles. Nationwide PrimeMedia's Steve Bryant puts it this way, "We have one message proclaiming that bigger isn't better... better is better, and a separate option designed for members who are opening new stores that points out that while our members are growing, the big boxes are going. We're supplying both campaigns with a complete PrimeMediac media package of broadcast commercials, web pre-roll versions, social media text-driven options, and descriptive still images and they're being incorporated in all of Nationwide's marketing services." Nationwide merchandising exec Patrick Maloney summarized, "This campaign leads up to a summer packed with our largest- ever array of high impact promotional events backed by group exclusive merchandising, marketing and training support. It's been gratifying to see our preparation for this opportunity begin paying dividends as our members begin to take their share and more of current opportunities." Perhaps Nationwide member, Pieratt's Director of Marketing Michael Cox said it best in his response to the delivery of his complete Better is Better media package, "Just got it. Fantastic. Great flow and feels very honest. Love it! Thanks to all for this spot!" Nationwide Marketing Group is North America's largest appliance, electronics, furniture, bedding and outdoor group with more than 3,500 members operating some 11,000 stores, and generating approximately $15 billion in sales. For more information on Nationwide contact 336-722-4681. NATIONWIDE INCREASES STRATEGIC RETAIL SUPPORT Group adds veteran retail executive Mike Manthey Nationwide Marketing Group is pleased to announce the addition of veteran retail executive Mike Manthey to its member support team. With more than 20 years in appliance and electronics retailing, Mike has held responsibilities at virtually every level of sales, merchandising, and operations management with a variety of larger and growing appliance and electronics retailers. Most recently, Mike was chief merchandising officer for Karl's of South Dakota. Mike states, "My experience working with Elmer Karl and the Karl's organization has helped prepare me to better serve them as members of Nationwide. I appreciate Elmer as a mentor and industry leader and am grateful for his support in this move. Joining Nationwide presents exciting challenges and opportunities, while also providing geographic advantages for my family." As a member of Jeff Knock's member development team, Mike will work directly with Nationwide's members to identify their changing needs and leverage the group's resources to help Nationwide members maximize sales, optimize margins, and improve productivity. Nationwide's Tom Hickman sums it up this way, "Since much of Mike's career has been spent with member companies of Nationwide Marketing Group, his retail perspective and experiences with the group's programs and services will be invaluable in serving our members' future needs as our members benefit from struggling big box retailers." Nationwide's stated mission is to help members "buy better, sell smarter, and compete tougher." B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO

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